What size filter produces contaminant free water?

To produce contaminant-free water, selecting the appropriate filter size is crucial. A filter with a size of 0.2 micrometers (microns) is known to effectively remove bacteria, protozoa, and many larger virus particles from water. This size strikes a balance between filter permeability and contaminant removal efficiency, making it particularly effective for achieving microbiologically safe drinking water.

Filters smaller than 0.2 microns, such as those at 0.1 microns, can also remove a wider range of contaminants, including many viruses, but they often come with a higher risk of clogging and may not be necessary for all water treatment scenarios. Filters larger than 0.2 microns, such as those at 0.5 or 1.0 microns, are less effective at removing small bacteria and protozoa, which can pose health risks if present in drinking water.

In summary, the 0.2 micrometer filter is optimal because it efficiently removes a significant range of microbial contaminants while maintaining adequate flow rates, making it a preferred choice in wastewater treatment processes aimed at producing safe, contaminant-free water.